August 31, 2016

Saving energy doesn’t always
mean getting new appliances, installing insulation, or replacing windows. Even
if you live in a brand new, super efficient home, there are plenty of ways to
lower your energy bills and protect the environment.

1.Use your
laundry machines wisely. Cutting costs on
laundry is easy… Simply stop using heat whenever possible, pack the right
amount of clothing into the machines, and do laundry at night.

2.Use the
dishwasher wisely. Utilize the same tactics as the laundry machines. Primarily,
reduce the amount of heat you use, and load the machine as efficiently as
possible.

3.Replace air filters monthly.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to run longer and use
more energy. And check
your vents. If they’re closed, open them! Closing vents will actually
raise your energy costs.

4.Actually program the programmable thermostat! A lot of energy costs come from heating and cooling
empty (or unused) spaces. Program the thermostat to warm or cool your home when
you’re actually there, and to switch off when you’re away or asleep.

5.Close the
door. Close attic, basement, garage and exterior doors to prevent drafts
and keep in heat or A/C.

6.Unplug electronics.
Any electronic gizmo that stays plugged in when not in use is sucking up your
money. Do a nightly sweep to make sure all your electric devices are turned off
before you go to bed. It may be a pain, but the savings from simply turning
everything off can add up quickly.

8.Set the
water heater at 120 degrees. Not only does heating your water too hot
create the danger of scalding, it costs you cash. The EPA estimates that a
heater set at 140 degrees or higher can waste $36 to $61 annually in standby
heat losses to keep water at that temperature, and more than $400 to bring
fresh water up to that temperature.

9.Take a
shower instead of a bath. And install a low-flow aerator or flow restrictor
on an existing showerhead.By doing
both, you’ll use less water.

10.Think before you cook. The stove or
oven may not always be the best choice. Crockpots or a microwave oven may be
more energy efficient.

11.Help your refrigerator/freezer work more
efficiently. Leave room in front of a refrigerator/freezer to allow cold
air to circulate better. Since frozen food stays cold longer than air, it’s
good to keep the freezer full, but not packed.

12.Soften those rays.Closing the curtains and lowering the
blinds on the sunny side of your house will help keep you cooler on hot days.

August 29, 2016

The thought of owning your own home may have always seemed
like something for the distant future. As one of the biggest investments you’ll
ever make, it’s easy to find reasons why the timing just isn’t quite
right.Despite the hesitation you may
have, owning your own home can add incredible value not only in the future, but
right now too! Here’s why it’s time to make the big move.

First Off, You CAN
Afford It. In all but two of the top 100 biggest US housing markets was it
cheaper to buy than rent a home. In fact, buying a home is currently about 23%
cheaper for millennials than renting one.Interest rates are nearing record lows, and homes are more affordable
than ever. You may have felt like renting is a safer bet, but really, you’re
getting a lot more mileage for your dollar when you buy. How?

You Build Equity. In
a sense, paying your mortgage is a form of savings.With each payment, a portion goes toward
reducing the amount you owe, increasing your equity as a result.It also increases as your home appreciates
over time.With sound equity, you can
qualify for home equity loans, which can be used to help pay off medical,
educational and other expenses you may have.

You Enjoy Added Tax
Deductions. Unlike renting where your hard earned dollar simply disappears
into your landlord’s pocket, your home expenses can actually reduce the amount
you pay in income taxes.Mortgage interest,
property taxes and even certain closing costs may all be tax deductible, and in
the first couple of years when interests are a big part of your mortgage
payments, this could mean a lot more money back in your wallet.

You Can Build Strong
Credit.As long as you’re paying
your monthly loan payments on time, you’re proving to other lenders that you’re
low risk.In the future, when other
large purchases or expenses arise, you’ll have a better case for getting that
loan. It’s important to plan for the
future, but remember you can’t predict everything…

Don’t Try and Time it
Perfectly. Waiting for the “right”
season or timing isn’t a guarantee.For
starters, despite there typically being more homes on the market in the spring,
competition can be lower in the fall and winter months. If you’re building a home,
starting the process now can get you a nice spring time move in.A fall start can also be an advantage because
builders can work through cold and snow, while heavy rain is a different
story.

In terms of value, you can’t predict where the market will
be in a couple of years, but you can do the research and ask
the right questions to make a smart decision now.And when you do, you’ll enjoy the greatest
benefit of all…

Creating the Perfect
Home for YOU. Say no more to staring at that horrible floral wallpaper or bright
pink bathroom tile your landlord couldn’t care less about.But more importantly, owning a home means you
can create a place that reflects your own unique personality and needs.By taking advantage of all the freedom
homeownership offers, it’s not just an investment, but also something much more
meaningful.

August 12, 2016

You've decided. You're moving into a new Elite Built Home! Through all of the excitement, you've started to become concerned about selling your own home? Not to worry! Here a couple of tricks of the trade to stage your home to get ready for selling!

Make it welcoming. With all the
times you’ve used your entrance, you may have gone blind to the wear it’s
accumulated over the years.See what can
be touched up with new paint or scrubbed with some cleaner, then replace house
numbers, porch light and a nice welcome mat.

Mind the
details. Small details you may
not even notice can depreciate your home in the eyes of buyers. Freshen up with
new switch plates and outlet covers if yours are grubby or yellowed. Polish
handles and hardware, and scrub away minor spots and scuffs on walls.

Eliminate bad odors. Buyers will quickly run away if something doesn’t smell quite right. Buy air neutralizer to remove bad odors, or even
better, bake a fresh batch of cookies or add scented candles to create a homey
feel.

August 5, 2016

Solid, continuous wall colors can make a room seem larger,
but too much of the same muted tone can make your décor fall flat.Neutral shades will give you a lot of
flexibility as you choose how to decorate the room, but too much of it can make
the space feel cold and uninspiring.The
beauty of neutral colors is your ability to mix and match any style, so here
are some ways to ensure you’ll never hear the word “boring” describe your home!

Try Layering.You can still create a peaceful ambiance without
using all the same color.Utilize
different tones of beige, cream or grey, for walls, drapery and furniture to
create more depth and versatility.Likewise,
choosing all the same fabrics will make the room fall flat, while drapes on a
wall of the same color will stand out much more if that wall is paneled or textured.

Emphasize Architectural Details.The architecture of you home could present a
lot of character and individuality on its own. Highlight rustic exposed wood
framing or painted wood walls & ceilings. Allow unique molding and built-in
shelves and cabinetry to become focal points of the room.

Play with Accent
Colors. Whether it’s one or two furniture pieces that make a bold
statement, or little pops of color throughout small, personal touches, these
additions can make all the difference! Just remember that the vibrancy of color
is amplified against a neutral background, so choose wisely.

Define with
Accessories.When going for an
earthy feel, a shiny metal side table or wood-framed chairs are nice touches,
while faux fur rugs or cow-hide throws can accomplish a totally different
look.Or simply mix prints and patterns
in pillows or wall hangings for a more subtle, but unique touch. The
possibilities are endless.

Let Nature In. If
tranquility if what you’re aiming for with your neutral room, plants are the
perfect way to achieve just that while adding interest and color to your
overall scheme.Small houseplants are
great, but large planters with jungle-like greens and twigs improve the mood
and purity of the whole room.